CCTV.COM 2002-06-03 10:06:53
Spain defeated World Cup rookies Slovenia 3－1 in the World Cup group B match on Sunday evening in Gwangju, South Korea. Spain, making their 11th World Cup appearance, seem to have a lucky beginning this time around.
Spain ran out comfortable winners over a brave Slovenia side despite occasional moments of tension in Gwangju, South Korea. The Spaniards, who are notoriously slow tournament starters, were saved an outbreak of nerves at half time by Raul, who scored a scrappy goal just before the break. In the 44th minute, World－class striker Raul Gonzalez scored a brilliant goal and gave Spain a 1－0 lead over Slovenia. In a melee in front of the penalty box, Raul danced past a Slovenian defender and shot the ball home through the legs of the other.
In the second half, Juan Carlos Valeron put Spain 2－0 ahead with a 74th minute goal.
The big pressure came to Spain in the 82th minute when Sebastian Cimirodic received a pass inside the penalty area and slid his shot to the goalkeeper's right.
But all Slovenian hopes were dashed when Morientes was hauled down at the edge of the area, and Fernando Hierro converted a penalty kick to guarantee the three points for Spain. The Spanish are now in control of the group leading into their match with Paraguay, while Slovenia face South Africa.
Editor:Zhong CCTV.com
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